Pavitra Ekadashi Vrat

Pavitra Ekadashi, also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi, occurs during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Shravan or Sawan in the traditional Hindu calendar. While in the North Indian calendar, this ritual is called Pavitra Ekadashi and is observed in July/August, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Karnataka, it is referred to as Putrada Ekadashi and celebrated in December/January. Pavitra Ekadashi is considered to be of extreme auspiciousness, reason being a childless couple would be blessed with children on observing this vrat. Apart from this, a devotee would be released from all his previous sins and evil deeds. Find out more about the story of Pavitra Ekadashi and how to observe it by glancing through the following lines.

How To Observe Pavitropana Ekadashi Vrat
Legend has it that King Mahijit was extremely successful and victorious. However, what bothered him was the absence of children which became a constant worry since he would not have anyone to perform his last rituals and honor the forefathers. He performed several charities, good deeds and also observed countless homas, yagnas and yagas (sacrifices) but in vain. Thus, he set out in the search of Sage Lomasa to seek help and advice. Born from the hair of Lord Brahma, Sage Lomasa had the capability to vision the past, present and future. The kind retold his entire story.

On hearing the story, the sage began meditating and realized that the king was a vysya (merchant) in his previous birth who traveled selling goods. On one journey, the king was very thirsty and reached a lake in the search of water. There, he saw a thirsty cow and a newborn calf drinking water. He then drove away the cow and his calf for drinking water himself. Therefore, he had committed the sin of obstructing the cow from drinking water. It was due to this reason that he was still childless in his present birth. To erase the sin committed, the sage advised the king to observe the Pavitra Ekadashi vrat.

The king, along with his wife, observe this fast and in due time, got a handsome and healthy son. Also, the son grew up to become a successful ruler. Therefore, pavitra Ekadashi is regarded as the most important fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed with great fervor and devotion. In addition, this vrat is known to be one of the greatest Ekadashi vrats among all 24 Ekadashi vrats in Hinduism as it is associated with engendering children. Foods containing rice and grains are avoided on this day. Some firm devotees even keep vigil (stay awake during the whole night) on this day.